Withrow Springs State Park

Situated in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, this 786-acre park of unspoiled wilderness beauty is accented by the setting of scenic mountains and valleys spread along the bluffs of the meandering War Eagle River. Withrow Spring, namesake of the park, was named for Richard Withrow, an early settler who came west in 1832 from Tennessee and established the first grist mill in the area. The Spring's clear, cold waters gush from a small cave at the foot of a bluff overlooking the park's swimming pool complex.

For the lovers of the great outdoors, Withrow Springs State Park and the surrounding countryside offer an abundance of nature at its best. A leisurely drive along State Highway 23 to Huntsville and east on Highway 412 provides miles of unsurpassed scenic wonder. Highway 62 at Alpena will lead you over hills and valleys just 48 miles north of Harrison. Another breathtaking drive leads from Huntsville on Highway 23S over the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks to Interstate 40 at the town of Ozark. Some of the most striking mountain wilderness scenery in the state can be seen along this 48-mile stretch. Historic Eureka Springs, just 20 miles on Highway 23, offers a unique look into the late Victorian era. Narrow, winding streets, quaint shops and excellent restaurants provide a full day of sightseeing to visitors in northwestern Arkansas.

The War Eagle and Kings Rivers, flowing north from their headwaters in the Boston Mountains, are unexcelled in nature's handiwork. Even into late spring a canoe float trip down either river or angling for fighting smallmouth bass and goggle-eye from a johnboat offer relaxation at its finest. A "put-in" point on the scenic War Eagle is located at Withrow Springs. A first "put-in" point for floating the famed Buffalo National River is only 38 miles southeast of the park.

Whether you prefer to hike along the park's dogwood-studded trails, enjoy a refreshing splash in the park swimming pool, or take a short drive in the countryside exploring this magnificent section of the Ozarks, Withrow Springs State Park provides something for everyone to enjoy.

Facilities

Camping - The park offers 25 campsites; 17 sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups in the forested Spring Valley area only a few yards from the pool. A modern bathhouse is conveniently located near the campground areas. For those campers who desire a more "primitive" experience, 8 tent sites are available (no hookups). A dump station is located nearby.

Picnicking - Located alongside the rippling waters of a rock-strewn creek, the park's tree-shaded picnic areas offer all the conveniences of tables, grills, water and rest rooms. Two group pavilions are available at a modest fee for group outings or family get-togethers.

NOTE: Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. Pavilions can be reserved by contacting the Visitor Center and must be reserved before being used (deposit required).

Recreation

Swimming - A large, heated pool with a modern bathhouse offers enjoyment for the entire family. A snack bar in the pool area provides a variety of refreshments to all park visitors.

(Pool open: Wednesday through Sunday, Memorial Day to mid-August; Labor Day Weekend).

Canoe Rental Service - Canoes with life jackets and paddles may be rented at the Visitor Center for floating on the War Eagle River. (Canoe rental fees include put-in and haul-back service). Please call before coming, to check on river conditions.

Other Facilities - A wide variety of activities are available at Withrow Springs State Park. Visitors may wish to spend a pleasant day hiking one of three trails which wander through the park's natural areas (trail brochure available at the Visitor Center). Sporting enthusiasts may choose to fish the War Eagle, play a set of tennis on one of 4 lighted, hard-surface courts or toss a game of horseshoes at the sandy horseshoe pits near the picnic area. Three baseball fields, located near the tennis courts, are ready for impromptu games of softball or for organized group games. Visitors are also welcome to use the park's crossbow range which is famous for its crossbow tournament held annually in early October.

Location

From Hwy. 412 in Huntsville, travel north 5 miles on Hwys. 23 & 23W to the park; OR, take Hwy. 23 & 23W south from Eureka Springs (20 miles); OR, from Springdale, take Hwy. 412, go 25 miles east to Huntsville, then north 5 miles on Hwy. 23 & 23W.

For further information on park hours, fees or reservations, contact:

Withrow Springs State Park
Rt. 3
Huntsville, AR 72740
Telephone: (501) 559-2593

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.